Nordic Programs

Nordic Programs

AVSC Nordic has a rich tradition of success. Recent alumni include two U.S. National Team athletes, two Sochi Olympic team members, two PyeongChang Olympic team members, and hundreds of exceptional alumni. Our team programs are designed to develop, challenge, and engage athletes of all ability levels. All team programs are offered in Aspen at the Aspen High School Trails and in Carbondale at the Spring Gulch Trails. Practice days and program costs vary slightly depending on the location. For more information, contact Nordic Program Director August Teague at (970) 205-5140 ateague@teamavsc.org.

Competitive Programs 2018-2019

DEVO – ASPEN (U14 & U12; born 2005-2008)
Based out of Aspen (AVSC Clubhouse & Aspen High School Trails), this program bridges the Bill Koch Youth Ski League and the National Comp team. It is designed for athletes of all ability levels. Skiers will continue to focus on fundamentals and fun, and will be introduced to racing and goal setting practices.

Program Fee: $1,495 until September 12th; $1,665 on or after September 13th; Additional Parent Work Deposit of $255

DEVO – SPRING GULCH (u14 & u12; born 2005-2008)
Based out of Carbondale (Spring Gulch Trails), this program bridges the Bill Koch Youth Ski League and the National Comp team. It is designed for athletes of all ability levels. Skiers will continue to focus on fundamentals and fun, and will be introduced to racing and goal setting practices.

Program Fee: $1,495 until September 12th; $1,665 on or after September 13th; Additional Parent Work Deposit of $255

HIGH SCHOOL – ASPEN (must be in high school)
Based out of Aspen (AVSC Clubhouse & Aspen High School Trails). The AHS Team is geared toward high school athletes with a focus on training, skills, racing, and fun. Athletes of all abilities are welcome in this program. AHS skiers must participate in all CHSAA races. Note: there will be limited training over winter break due to CHSAA rules.

Dryland & on-snow training: November 12th - February 24th 4 days a week (and several weekends).

Program Fee: $1,495 until November 2nd; $1,665 on or after November 3rd; Additional Parent Work Deposit of $255

Note: High school athletic fees and CHSSA race costs are now included in the cost of this program!

HIGH SCHOOL – SPRING GULCH (must be in high school)
Based out of Carbondale (Spring Gulch Trails). Athletes will represent Aspen at all CHSAA races and AVSC at all other races. This team is geared towards high school athletes with a focus on training, skills, racing, and fun. Athletes of all abilities are welcome in this program. Skiers must participate in all CHSAA races. Note: there will be limited training over winter break due to CHSAA rules.

Dryland & on-snow training: November 12th - February 24th 4 days a week (and several weekends).

Program Fee: $1,495 until November 2nd; $1,665 on or after November 3rd; Additional Parent Work Deposit of $255

Note: High school athletic fees and CHSSA race costs are now included in the cost of this program!

NATIONAL COMP (u16 / u18 / u20; born 1999-2004)
The National Comp team is a year-round training and racing program for experienced Nordic skiers who have excellent work ethic and a desire to pursue excellence in Nordic skiing. All National Comp athletes are expected to compete in all Rocky Mountain Nordic (RMN), Junior National Qualifier races, and participate in summer dryland training as often as possible. The National Comp team training program is designed to help athletes reach the highest possible levels of competition. National Comp Team athletes will receive an individualized and periodized year-round training plan. Character, sportsmanship, work ethic, leadership, and inclusion will be an important part of the curriculum.

Bill Koch Youth Ski League 2018-2019

Bill Koch, aka “Kochie,” is America’s first cross country skier Olympic medalist (1976). He emerged from the hills around Putney, Vermont to become a World Cup Champion. In addition to his international results, Bill was well known for fun and innovation. Often referred to as the father of skate skiing, Kochie helped popularize the technique in the early 80's leading to his bronze medal in the 1982 world championships. When he was not helping create a new technique or racing in Europe, Kochie was often seen skiing though the back woods and pastures, jumping and just playing on his skis!

When he retired from world cup skiing, USSA honored Bill by forming the Bill Koch Ski League (BKL) to introduce America’s children to Nordic skiing and the joy of going fast on skis. AVSC ran this program in the 80's and early 90's.

The name change from Base Camp back to Bill Koch Youth Ski League is an attempt to acknowledge Kochie and his innovative, fun-loving spirit. Our BKL programs are fun, learn-to-ski programs geared towards children ages 5-11. The emphasis will be on fostering a love for the sport and enjoying winter in the Roaring Fork Valley. Children will develop basic motor skills invaluable to their future athletic involvement. Skills such as coordination, agility, and balance will be taught through a variety of games and activities. As children progress through the Bill Koch League programs, they will learn teamwork, sportsmanship, fair play, and other essential habits common among successful adolescents.